Teens both male and female often suffer from body image issues. It is hard to ignore how not so perfect you are when all your favorite TV shows, movies, and even the magazines you read protray being beautiful as super thin Barbie look alike models. Teens are also at a very difficult time in their lives when their body begins to change and they are unsure how they should react. Emotions and horomones are both raging at this age. It is tough to fit into the top "click" unless you are "grown up and beautiful". Boys today really do not have it much easier than girls with so much attention being shown to the six pack ab buffs you see in the lime light. Body issues can become serious and lead a teen to eating disorders, over exercising, depression, etc. Is there a way to help your teen be comfortable in their own skin and realize just how beautiful they are?

Teens need to understand their body and how it is changing during the early years of their teens. The better they understand what is going on in their body the more prepared they can be to accept the changes that come with it. As your daughter blossoms from that little girl with knobby knees into a young lady help her understand how her body is changing and why. She may agree she is pretty but may still feel insecure about her own skin because she still don't look like her favorite movie star and now she does not even look like half her friends. She will need your help and support so be there for her and help her the best you can to understand that her friends too will change and that what she is seeing on TV is the work of a lot of makeup artists, lighting, and air brushing.

If you have a son you have not escaped the growth spurt insecurity. Once a young boy's body begins to change he may really be made fun of because of his soft voice and sudden spurt in height. Again the changes are natural but may be hard for your teen to accept. Help him understand that his friends will be there where he is soon as well. The voice will deepen and he will not grow into the giant that Jack saw.

Older teens learn to accept their body but may still seek the "perfect" figure. The truth is some people are just not made to have the perfect figure no matter what the scales read. Bone structure, height, etc influence how your body looks. These items are not anything that can be changed but must be accepted for what they are. It can be difficult explaining to your child they can never be a size one because their hips are just not made for it but that is what it may take to make them see the truth.

Never make fun of your child because of how they look. Body issues can start at a very early age and can make the teen years even more difficult. Children strive to make you proud and if they feel you would be more proud of them at a smaller size they may set out to get to that size despite danger or reason. Always make sure your child knows you love them exactly as they are whether they are fat, skinny, chubby, or rail thin as long as they are healthy.

It is tough growing and maturing during your teens. All of us adults have been there and we can remember how we felt. We do not want our children to suffer as we did. It is important to listen to your child. If you see any signs of eating disorders or any other abnormal behavior to discuss it with your child. If it is past your help see that your child gets to a proper professional. Stand by your child through their time of trials with body issues. Help them to become comfortable in their own skin and just how beautiful they are.

Learn more about this author, Rhonda M..
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